Page 28 of Dangerous Desires
Rowen shrugged, “I don’t know what to do. I’m an adult. They shouldn’t get to say anything about my life. I refuse to let them. I don’t want anything to do with them or the guy’s son.”
Farren nodded, “I get that. They seem to be really controlling and they really don’t have a say. Or shouldn’t. You are twenty-one and have your own life. Do you use their money or anything?”
Rowen shook her head, “I have a small trust from my grandmother, but I don’t touch it. And I pay my own way. I got an apartment I can afford, and I won’t take a penny from them. I don’t want them to hold it over my head. I want to do what I can for Raegan, but my mother knows it’s the one thing she can hold over my head. I don’t get why my mother seems to believe she can try to control me now. I think she wants to prove to her new boyfriend that I will do anything she asks. Especially because she would hurt Raegan just to get back at me.”
Rowen let out a small growl, “But she isn’t a good person. I hated growing up in that environment. Where my mother had a different man every other week. Ones that had money or ones that used her for what little money she had. I couldn’t stand it. And after her last boyfriend tried to sneak into my room, I left and never looked back. I hated leaving Raegan, but I didn’t want to have someone rape me. I know it would have happened. But now she wants something I won’t give.”
Farren shook her head, “You don’t owe her anything Rowen. When she calls, don’t answer. If she can’t talk to you, then she can’t do anything about it.”
Rowen nodded, “I know. I just thought she was different. That she wanted a relationship with me. That she would actually care and want to be a mother. She used to try with us, but not now. She only wants Raegan because she can control me with her.”
She pulled the car off the road and put her head on the steering wheel and started to sob. Farren unbuckled her seatbelt and leaned over her, pulling her into her arms.
“It’s okay Rowen. It will be okay. You don’t need a mom like that. I’m here for you, okay?”
Rowen turned into Farren’s arms, “I hate her. And yet, I love her. I miss her. When my dad was still around, I remember what a great mom she was. And how she did everything with me. How she took me to fun places and did my nails. How we would play with Raegan at the park for hours just to get her energy out. How we had girls’ nights and spent it giggling. Then my dad left and she turned into a monster. She hated me. Blamed me for making him leave. And it hasn’t been the same. I haven’t had a mother for a long time.”
Farren closed her eyes in pain. She couldn’t imagine having her mother treat her that way.
“I’m so sorry Rowen. I don’t know how you survived it. How you cope.”
Rowen looked up at her, “I have to. I don’t have a choice. I can dwell or I can move on and make something of myself. And normally I can forget how she treated me, but when she calls me and wants me to do things I won’t do? And then she gets even more upset with me? I don’t know what to do. She says that Raegan is next. She will be kept safe for a guy until she is old enough to be sold off.”
Farren shook her head, “You need to listen to me. Don’t answer her. She isn’t worth it. You have come so far and have made something of yourself. You are an amazing woman and one I’m lucky to call a friend. If your mother doesn’t see that, then that’s on her. She isn’t worth it, Rowen. We will do what we can to get Raegan free. She needs better in her life than that.”
Rowen nodded slowly, “I think so too. I want to block her, but I need to make sure that Raegan is safe until we find a way to get her out of there. My mother doesn’t need to talk to me after that. Raegan won’t be a chess piece to play once she is with me. I don’t want my mother in my life, and I refuse to get married. To anyone. Let alone to someone she chose for me. Not going to happen. If I ever find love, it will be with someone I choose. Though, it probably won’t happen. I don’t trust men at all.”
Farren laughed softly, “You would be surprised that a man could come along and sweep you off your feet.”
Rowen shook her head, “I don’t think so. There isn’t a man for me.”
Farren shrugged a little, “I don’t believe it, but I will let you believe what you want.”
Rowen chuckled, “Just because you found love doesn’t mean it’s meant for me.”
Farren shrugged again, “You never know. I didn’t think it was in the cards for me either. And then there Jet was. And that was it. One look and I was his.”
Rowen bit her lip, “Is it wonderful? Is he a good man?”
Farren grinned, “The best. I love him.”
Rowen gasped and Farren laughed, “I know it’s really soon, but it’s real. And I can’t wait to spend my life with him.”
Rowen smiled; her face full of genuine happiness. “I’m really happy for you. Please be careful though. Okay?”
Farren nodded, “I will. Harrison already put him through the ringer, but Jet is amazing. He won’t back down and won’t let anyone disrespect us. Or me.”
Rowen put her hand on her chest, “That is so cute. I like that. Will I get to meet him?”
Farren smiled, “Of course. You are my closest friend and I love him. I want you to get to know him.”
Rowen smiled, “Good. I can’t wait.”
“Do you still want to go shopping?”
Rowen nodded, “I think a little bit of retail therapy is just what we need. What about you?”
Farren grinned, “I’m definitely okay with that.”
